Leading the Way in National Consultation and Research
The Challenge
Australia's diverse and expansive landscape presents unique challenges in disaster management. Ensuring every remote and urban community receives timely and effective hazard warnings is critical. While there were similarities across the systems, each state had its own system and associated communications. The goal was to identify a nationally consistent framework for the Fire Danger Rating and Multi-Hazard Warning System that would effectively communicate the changing threat levels and the associated behaviours required.
Multi-lens Approach
The research methodology consisted of three phases, quantitative>qualitative>quantitative, which allowed us to benchmark, discover, validate and measure potential impact. We combined insights from over 35 existing reports with fresh data from two national surveys (each with 5,000 participants) and 48 qualitative focus groups across metro, regional, and remote Australian locations. This blend of past and present data allowed us to identify a framework for both systems that would effectively communicate the changing level of threat to the community and promote action.
Collaboration was key to our success. We worked closely with government agencies, community groups, and industry experts across the country. Managing a wide array of stakeholders required coordination and a commitment to ensuring every voice was heard. Our team's ability to foster these relationships was crucial in developing a system that everyone could trust. Without buy-in from all stakeholders, including Commissioners and Chiefs from each state and territory, the revised framework wouldn’t have progressed to the next phase of the program and wouldn’t be active in the community today.
Action
The result of our efforts is a simplified and visually optimised Australian Fire Danger Rating System and Multi-Hazard Warning System. These systems are designed to enhance public understanding of the change threat level and encourage desired behavioural outcomes. The positive feedback from our clients and the tangible impact on community safety are testaments to the quality of our work.
Location Details
Perth
Level 1, 91 Havelock Street,
West Perth WA 6005
Sydney
223 Liverpool Street,
Darlinghurst NSW 2010